Well, yesterday I turned 23- which in some ways was really weird, and in some ways seemed completely natural. I've actually started thinking of myself as 23 for a couple of weeks, and I think I like it better than 22 already. It seems more "mid20s" and less "I just graduated college!"
It is so crazy to think how much has changed in the past year, and how different my birthday was this year compared to last. Last year was pinning, graduation, nonstop day full of family and friends and tons of mixed emotions. This year I stayed pretty busy, but was more low key, and filled with blossoming friendships instead of ones in full bloom looking towards the inevitable fading after being ripped from their soil. (Like that analogy? Totally came up with that as I was writing!) I went to the TN Renaissance Festival with my brother and his fiance, and some of her friends, who were all quite nice. I always enjoy a good excuse to get dressed up, especially when it involves tons of other people dressed up, too! I also had some people over to the house in the evening for games, snacks, cake, etc. We played Apples to Apples (Bible Edition!) and Wise and Otherwise. Good times.
Speaking of houses- my new roommates and I found a new house! It's in East Nashville, and it's cute 3 bedroom with a huge backyard and some good character. I can't wait to move in, and it stinks we have to wait until June 3rd. Actually, I won't be moving until the 4th. But I'm in the middle of packing right now, and over the next two weeks (really week and a half) I'll need to get completely packed, a process I'm not exactly a big fan of, but so it goes.
Most of my past several weeks has been spent looking for houses and working. It's nice to actually have a place for sure, because it was a very stressful process. Other than that, you can see what I did in April if you check out my Vlogs, linked below. If you go to my page, they're all labeled with topics.
Some other things that happened included getting into a car accident, having my car in the shop for 3 weeks, going on a retreat with church, and of course, work.
If you didn't know this about me, I'm actually a person who likes work. And who likes doing the extra things for work. I complain about the 8am start time on our residency classes, but I will kind of miss them after I have my last one next month. I always do enjoy the conversations we have, even if other people find them lame or a waste of time. And I really enjoy going to our unit board meetings and talking about ways to make our unit a better place to work, etc. Does this make me weird? Probably, but I don't really care.
In a way, I feel like this past month and looking into the next month, it's almost like I'm starting all over again- I'm freshly single, I'm moving to a new part of town with new roommates. Even though there's some stress and also pain involved with the life changes, I have continued assurance that they are all in God's Hands, and I'm even hopeful that this new year might be full of some plans I actually like! Hah!
Not that I haven't liked this past year. Some parts of been so wonderful, but other parts have been some of the loneliest of my life. Even now, I am grieving the loss of my wonderful friend group from Samford. I've realized how much I define myself by and through my friendships, and without them, I've felt a little bit like a wandering, lost sheep. I know God has been trying to use this time to remind me that my identity is in him alone, but I am looking forward to some friendships where I feel like myself again, and where I simply long for their presence as they long for mine. Funny how this is basically what God wants from us, too.
I'm so excited about my new roommates and about my move next month, and I can't wait to update you again post-move! I'm going to miss where I am now, and I'm thankful to have been able to be here, but I feel very positive about this move- God has provided two wonderful girls from my church who I already feel more like myself around in just a few weeks, plus a great house closer to the neighborhood and community of my church.
My summer and rest of the year is going to be crazy! 3 weddings, two as bridesmaids, off to Florida for LeakyCon and the Final HP movie, hopefully camping with my family come fall. Plus trying to continue and find some roots and a place in Nashville.
2 comments:
First of all, yes, awesome analogy! (And not just because I study biology and love plants...)
Second, HAPPY BIRTHDAY - a few days too late, sorry about that :(
It's great that you've finally got a house and a moving date.
I absolutely hate the process of moving. Packing, moving, living out of boxes at the new place, for way longer than you had planned.... Horrible, if you ask me. But once you get settled, it's worth it, of course :)
Will you do a vlog from the new place?? I've come to miss your daily videos!
And I think the fact that you like work is fantastic! Way too many people really dislike going to work everyday. I think it's such a shame. Going through life, forcing yourself through the first five days of the week, only enjoying the last two days.... That is such a sad frame for the art of life :(
Happy bday, Erin with an E!
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